Photo: La Paz County Sheriff's Office
Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute To Those Who Serve And Sacrifice
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price in service and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
- 307 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
- 355 in 2021 including 30 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement on record, emphasis on was. Entering October, we’d already exceeded last year’s historically high line-of-duty death totals. We’re in an especially dangerous moment in our country’s history due to the pandemic and efforts of political operatives to politicize law enforcement. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In Tennessee, Deputy Dale Wyman died in a crash while on patrol. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and three children. In Georgia, Corporal Timothy Tanksley died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his son. In Georgia, Officer Dylan Harrison was murdered in retaliation for an arrest made his first day on the job. He’s survived by his wife and infant son. In Louisiana, Trooper Adam Gaubert was murdered in an ambush while in his patrol car. In North Carolina, Deputy William Marsh died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and child. In Arizona, Sergeant Michael Rudd (pictured) was killed in an accident during a vehicle chase while he was in pursuit of a suspect. An Army veteran, He’s survived by his wife and six children. In Arizona, Deputy Juan Ruiz was murdered by an inmate who he had rearrested while on parole.
- The average age of the fallen, 48. The average tour of duty, 17 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 355 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 183 widows and 482 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 28% higher than last year’s historically high levels.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. Media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police, and their families know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.